Gospel Collection, Vol. 1

Personnel: Jerry Kimbrough (guitar); Connie Ellisor, Pam Sixfin, Alan Ulmstead (violin); Carole Rabinowitz (cello); Scott Weckerly (drums).Recording information: Ray Stevens Music Studio.Photographer: Shannon Fontaine.Although he is best known for his hit novelty songs like "The Streak," Ray Stevens is also a sharp and serious songwriter, as evidenced by his pop standard "Everything Is Beautiful," and he's also been a pretty fair gospel singer throughout his career. This set, his first gospel outing in many years, and one which Stevens produced himself, is part of the Gaither Gospel series, featuring newly recorded versions of classic American gospel songs and hymns. ~ Steve Leggett